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Insurance Claims

Who to Choose & What to Expect

» Choosing A Quality Contractor
» How To Handle Insurance Claims


Choosing A Quality Contractor


Finding a professional contractor is not a matter of chance; it’s a matter of choice and education.

So take your time and choose wisely. Finding a good contractor and enjoying the outcome is just a matter of doing a little homework. Communication will always be the most important aspect in any business transaction; therefore, spend a little time with estimators. Contractors differ in so many ways, from attitudes and demeanors, to business and accounting skills, to product and installation knowledge, to personnel training programs, to the overall willingness to satisfy. It takes the whole package to make it all work smoothly and very few contractors can put this all together.
When Looking for a Contractor…

Take Your Time  There is usually no reason to make hasty decisions.
Choose Which Contractors To Take Estimates From
If time is money, then you will want to wisely choose three reputable and local contractors to get estimates from.  Evaluate the quality of the companies that you review.  Are their sales representatives extremely knowledgeable about their product?  Good marketing materials are expensive and take years to develop, which indicate a well thought out and executed business plan.
Talking to friends and checking references makes good sense.  Contact the Better Business Bureau.  The Better Business Bureau reports the inception date as given to them by the contractor.  Having a reasonably long track record with the BBB, as well as consistent information and a good record are all important indications.  Make sure and get positive information from several solid sources before investing your precious time with a roofing company.

Meet With the Consultants
Always meet your estimators; one of these consultants will be the person with whom you will have the most contact during the installation of your new roof. If you have a spouse, find a time that is convenient for both you and your spouse to attend. This is good marriage counseling, and two heads are better than one. Daytime appointments are greatly appreciated by us, however for your convenience we do of course work evenings and weekends when needed.
Closely evaluate each estimator’s product suggestions; they may lean towards certain products for a personal benefit.  Do his/her suggestions really make sense?  Also, listen closely to each estimator’s suggested installation procedures.  It's not necessary for you to be a roofing expert; common sense and paying close attention to the details is the key.
Find out the company’s specialization.  Many companies do not specialize in larger homes since they are neither properly equipped or lack the expertise to perform for this caliber of clientele.  Discreetly find out if a company does commercial projects, multi-family units or new construction.  If so, they may not specialize in residential re-roofing and hailstorm situations and may be left scrambling for help, hiring unproven, and/or unqualified crews.

Evaluate the Estimates Thoroughly
All roofing contractors and adjusters estimate on a "per square" basis.  One square equals 100 square feet.  Always ask the estimator to write down the number of squares he/she has calculated it will take to complete your project.  Many times the difference in price is due to the discrepancy in squares.   Most contractors' price per square is relatively competitive, so if you like a particular contractor whose price is out of line, evaluate the estimated number of squares and discuss it with him/her.  Some roofs are complicated and it is very easy to make a mistake in calculating the proper number of squares. 
Proposals should be Very Specific in what is included and what costs extra. They should spell out everything that is to be done in regards to the products, installation procedures and payment terms.
Always review your payment terms very carefully and Do Not Hire a company who asks for all the money up front.  Balance upon completion is the standard rule.

If a company does not pay for the materials - suppliers can legally place liens on your property; even if you have already paid the contractor in full.  Always ask your contractor to supply you with a Waiver of Lien once your project is complete.  Verify that building permits are being included in the estimates and are attained before the contractors begin your project.

Making Your Decision, And Working With The Crews
Crewmembers work a little harder for customers they like.  A kind word from a customer is a pleasant breeze on a hot summer day; you'll see and appreciate the professionalism that is returned.  If something is not being done the way you expect, after pointing it out to the crew, contact the contractor.

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How to Handle Insurance Claims


Immediately after you contact your insurance company, start interviewing for your contractor.  In order to insure a fair settlement, an honest contractor is good to have in your corner. You may or may not enjoy knowing this, but the insurance company is not your best friend.  They run a business, and all in all they run a good business.  But, understand they make money on your premiums and save it by doing their best to keep claims as low as legally possible.  Worry about picking a good contractor and having a quality roof installed.  Do not worry about a contractor taking advantage of your insurance company.  The insurance companies protect themselves very well.

After you’ve reported the claim, an adjuster will usually contact you in 2-5 days.  If you have interior damage, be sure to notify them when they call.  A thorough contractor will also help you inspect other exterior damage that may have occurred; aesthetic damage to paint, gutters, fences, window screens and seals, A/C unit coils, outside lighting, mail boxes, hot tub covers, etc.

During a storm, adjusters are often very busy and prefer not to meet with you personally.  However, since most hail claims are not black and white situations, it is important that you strive to have the adjuster see your home’s damage with you and/or your roofer there.  If the claim is questionable, the adjuster will tend to lean in favor of the insurance company.  Understandably, it is quicker and easier to decline a claim in writing than it is to see the damage and turn the claim down face to face with you or your roofer.

When an adjuster meets with you they will first do a physical inspection of the damage and take pictures.  Then an adjustment sheet indicating what was found and an estimate for the repairs or re-roof will be completed. Any discrepancies can be worked out between you, your contractor and the adjuster.

Denied Claim or Low Settlement
If your claim is denied or you feel you received a low settlement, call us.  We know what your adjustment sheet should include and what the insurance company should pay for.  Many customers believe it’s a conflict for the roofer to see what the insurance has paid; however a good contractor knows approximately what the insurance should have paid.  We can help evaluate the insurance adjustments and negotiate the best deal for you.  If there are discrepancies, they should be resolved prior to starting any work.  If the estimates are close, you are ready to proceed with your claim.

Storm Chasers and Marketing Ploys
Be careful, storm chasers are experts at manipulating their clients, and are proficient at disguising themselves as local companies, so it is important to check carefully.  Checking the yellow pages, and the Better Business Bureau is a good start.  While not necessarily bad, beware of high-pressure sales tactics including door knocking, special discounts for show homes and insurance negotiating agreements.  Look for signs of a strong track record in your community.
The Claim & Payment Process

Typically, you will receive at least 50% of your claim monies within 10-15 days after the adjuster has visited your home. The checks you receive will often be made out to both you and your mortgage company.  Therefore, you may need to contact your mortgage company when you receive your first check in order to get their endorsement.  Find out the name of the person whose attention you should send your check to.  We suggest that you hand deliver or send your check by certified mail.                                                                                                                        
Storm Offices

During storm seasons, insurance carriers often open storm offices to process increased volume.  You may be able to pick up checks here when your job is  complete.

1st Payment & Billing
Upon completion of your roof, we will invoice your insurance carrier for the balance due and process all other insurance and mortgage company requirements.  We will collect your first check when the materials are delivered, or if you have deposited it, you can write Freedom Roofing, Inc a personal check.  Always make it out to our incorporated name.

2nd Check Processing
When your insurance carrier receives our invoice, they may send their inspector out for verification purposes.  You will then be issued a check for the final payment of your claim based on our invoice amount for the work performed, less the amount of your first check. We will then issue your manufacturers' and workmanship warranties.

Billing Policy
Unlike some roofing companies, we do not require prepayment in order to begin your roof installation. For your comfort, our policy is to receive our payments after you have received yours.  Any help in expediting the monies is greatly appreciated.

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Freedom Roofing Inc.
"Residential Roofing Specialists"

P.O. Box 0354 Haysville, Ks 67060
(316) 558-5777



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